Plant comparison
Anubias Barteri Nana vs Red Tiger Lotus
How the Anubias Barteri Nana and Red Tiger Lotus compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Anubias Barteri Nana vs Red Tiger Lotus
The Anubias Barteri Nana and the Red Tiger Lotus come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Anubias Barteri Nana is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Red Tiger Lotus rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Anubias Barteri Nana is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Anubias Barteri Nana22–28 °C
- Red Tiger Lotus22–28 °C
pH
- Anubias Barteri Nana6–7.5
- Red Tiger Lotus5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Anubias Barteri Nana2–15 dGH
- Red Tiger Lotus2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAnubias Barteri NanaAnubias barteri var. nana |  PlantRed Tiger LotusNymphaea zenkeri |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | West Africa (Cameroon) | West Africa (Cameroon) |
| Family | Araceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low |
| Max height | 10–15 cm | 30–50 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Optional |
| Growth rate | Slow | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Anubias Barteri Nana and Red Tiger Lotus together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Anubias Barteri Nana or the Red Tiger Lotus?
The Anubias Barteri Nana is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Red Tiger Lotus leans beginner-friendly.
Do Anubias Barteri Nana and Red Tiger Lotus need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Anubias Barteri Nana and the Red Tiger Lotus?
Placement and light. The Anubias Barteri Nana works as foreground or midground, the Red Tiger Lotus as midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.